Walking Through Motherhood - Getting Out on Foot During Pregnancy and Beyond

A small note before you read on: this blog may feel a little different to my usual Cornish Ramblings posts. It’s written from a very personal place and speaks more directly to pregnancy, expecting a baby, solo motherhood by choice, and new mum life. It might not be relevant to everyone who rambles with us, and that’s absolutely okay. But if you’d like to read on, I’d love you to. Cornish Ramblings has always been about walking through different seasons of life, and this is simply one of mine.

There’s something incredibly grounding about getting out for a walk. No pressure. No pace to beat. Just fresh air, gentle movement, and a little space to breathe. Over the past months, walking has continued to be a constant for me; through pregnancy, big emotions, and the knowledge that I’m stepping into motherhood as a solo mum by choice.

Cornish Ramblings has always been rooted in walking for wellbeing, connection and kindness and as my life changes, it feels only natural that the walks - and the conversations around them - evolve too. This blog is something I’ve been sitting with for a while, because I know I won’t be the only one navigating this season of life.

Walking During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be joyful, overwhelming, exciting and exhausting...often all at once. Some days you feel energised and hopeful, others tender, cautious or simply very tired. Walking has been one of the simplest ways for me to stay connected to my body without pushing it beyond what feels right.

For me, walking during pregnancy isn’t about fitness goals or distances but rather about gentle movement, fresh air, and trusting my body. Some days it’s a short wander close to home, other days it’s a longer ramble with plenty of pauses, snacks, and moments to stop and take it all in.

Some of the benefits I’ve personally found include:

• Gentle movement that supports physical wellbeing

• Helping ease stiffness, aches and restless energy

• Supporting mental health and emotional balance

• Time to connect with my bump and slow everything down

There is no “right” way to walk while pregnant. Listening to your body and giving yourself permission to rest matters more than anything else.

Expecting a Baby, Carrying a Lot

Trying to conceive, pregnancy after loss, IVF, and preparing to welcome a baby all carry their own emotional weight. Even when things are going well, there can be anxiety, reflection, and moments of quiet worry alongside the excitement.

Walking has often felt like a neutral, safe space for me; somewhere to process thoughts without needing to talk, explain, or be productive. A place where you can just be. A walk doesn’t ask anything of you, you can show up exactly as you are, whether that’s hopeful, heavy-hearted, or somewhere in between.

Walking as a Solo Mum by Choice

Choosing to become a solo mum by choice is powerful, brave, and deeply considered, but it can also feel lonely at times. Community matters, especially when you’re stepping into something that doesn’t always fit the traditional mould.

For me, community doesn’t have to mean loud spaces or forced conversations. Sometimes it looks like walking side by side, sharing space without expectation. I truly believe there’s something special about being outdoors with others who get it, who understand the strength, vulnerability, and complexity that can exist all at once.

Walking With a New Baby

Postnatal life can feel like a big adjustment. Your world shifts, your body is recovering, and your sense of routine often needs rebuilding from scratch. Walking can be a gentle way back into the world, for both parent and baby.

Some of the benefits of walking as a new mum can include:

• Supporting postnatal recovery at your own pace

• Improving mood and reducing feelings of isolation

• Helping babies settle through movement and fresh air

• Creating a gentle structure to the day

These walks wouldn’t be about “bouncing back” or pushing limits. They’d be about care, reassurance, and showing up exactly as you are; pram, sling, tired eyes and all.

A Gentle Reassurance

These thoughts and ideas come from my own lived experience and reflections - they are not medical advice. Everyone’s pregnancy, postnatal journey and recovery looks different and any future rambles in this space would always encourage participants to follow guidance from their midwife, GP or healthcare provider. Make choices that feel right for your own body and circumstances; rest, pauses, and opting out would always be welcomed.

Why I’m Exploring Motherhood Rambles

Cornish Ramblings has always been about inclusivity, kindness, and meeting people where they are.

As I move through pregnancy and towards motherhood, it feels important that Cornish Ramblings grows alongside me and reflects the real lives and seasons of the people within this community.

I’d love to explore organising gentle, supportive rambles for:

• Pregnant walkers

• Those expecting a baby

• Solo mums by choice

• New mums (with or without buggies)

These wouldn’t be about speed, distance or pressure. They’d be about connection, reassurance, fresh air, and moving through this season together, one step at a time.

Would You Be Interested?

Before I start planning anything, I’d really love to hear from you.

Would you be interested in pregnancy and motherhood friendly rambles with Cornish Ramblings?

• Yes – pregnancy walks
• Yes – postnatal / new mum walks
• Yes – solo mum by choice walks
• Yes – any gentle motherhood rambles

See All Options

While I expect many of the responses will come from those who are pregnant or navigating motherhood, all thoughts and opinions are genuinely welcome. Your feedback will help shape what comes next. As always, thank you for being part of this community and for walking alongside me, in every sense of the word.